AIM has hired an advocate who will be dedicated to assisting military veterans with disabilities.

Nathan Benton started at AIM this week. The first several weeks of Nathan's tenure will be dedicated to program development.

Nathan will provide education, advocacy, information and referral to help veterans with disabilities achieve their goals of independence.

He will help veterans identify and access available supports and services, and assist them in areas such as housing, education and employment.

Nathan is a 2008 graduate of Elmira Southside High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012, and was based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. After being honorably discharged, he attended Elmira College and graduated magna cum laude in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

AIM to begin helping families navigate addiction treatment

AIM will launch its new Family Support Navigator Program in January to help families affected by substance abuse.

The program will help individuals and families in the Southern Tier navigate addiction treatment and recovery supports. It is funded by a five-year, $500,000 grant from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

AIM is currently interviewing candidates for the position of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Coordinator to oversee the new program.

To view the job description and apply, go to
aimcil.com/jobshr. Our other openings are posted, as well.

Allies in Disguise 5K raises $5,500

Runners take off at the start of the Allies in Disguise 5K and Mile on Nov. 11 in Craig Park.

Allies in Disguise 5k winner Amanda Baker holds her prize, a glass vase from the Corning Museum of Glass.

The sixth annual Allies in Disguise 5K and Mile drew 70 participants on Nov. 11 to Craig Park in Painted Post and raised approximately $5,500 to support AIM's programs and services for people with disabilities.

There was a field of 55 runners in the 5K, and a dozen participants in the mile.

The overall and female winner of the 5K was Amanda Baker, 26, who clocked a time of 20 minutes, 51 seconds. The male 5K winner was her father, David Baker, 54, who was seventh overall with a time of 23 minutes, 21 seconds.

Thanks to all who came out to support us.

Watkins named Employee of the Month

Wendy Watkins

Wendy Watkins was selected as AIM's Employee of the Month for November.

Watkins is the intake coordinator for AIM's programs for people with developmental disabilities, offered under the umbrella of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

She helps consumers and their caregivers with the process of gaining eligibility for services. She also helps them identify the available supports and services that are best suited for them, and advocates for them on an ongoing basis.

Watkins organizes many of AIM's youth programs, including the Learn and Grow Playgroup for children with disabilities, and Sibshops, a group for the siblings of children with disabilities. She also organizes dances and parties for teens with disabilities, and runs youth social skills classes and summer camps.

She also facilitates a family support group for parents of children with disabilities.

Congrats, Wendy!

New staff members join

NY Connects, Community Habilitation

AIM added new staff members to our NY Connects and Community Habilitation programs in November.

Karen Hochem is an independent living specialist for the NY Connects program, part of a New York State Office for the Aging network that helps people who need long-term care connect with supports and services.

Justin Feldt is a direct support professional in the Community Habilitation program, working with people with developmental disabilities in their homes and the community to help them develop social skills and independent living skills. The program is offered under the umbrella of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Welcome aboard, Karen and Justin.

AIM to host meeting Dec. 13 in Elmira on changes to TBI Waiver Program

The meeting will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. at AIM's Elmira office, located at 350 W. Church St. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the same time and location.

The purpose of the Dec. 13 meeting is to discuss changes to the TBI Waiver that came with the renewal of the program in September by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and to answer questions. Participants were previously sent a letter notifying them of the changes.

The meeting will be hosted by the Binghamton-Southern Tier Regional Resource Development Center of the TBI Waiver Program, which serves a 12-county region under a contract with the New York State Department of Health.